I have loved castles for as long as I can remember. To borrow from L.M. Montgomery, castles offer so much ‘scope for imagination’. A chance to simply admire their strength and grandeur. A chance to play make believe and be 7 again. But growing up in southern California did not enable my being able to see them very often (make that never!). Fast forward a whole lot of years and now I find myself living in the south west of England, allowing me to explore them to my heart’s content!

Now mind you, I know I have romanticised castles and I am aware it wasn’t all fun and games for those who lived in them once upon a time. But, thankfully there are no longer any sieges or battles raging, and we can simply wander throughout these ancient castles and enjoy their majestic and bold structures.

Enter one such castle…Nunney Castle in Somerset. One could drive down the A361 not realising there is an enchanting ruined castle only minutes away. But I urge you to turn off that road for an hour or so for a bit of time travel!

There is just something wonderfully romantic about this castle. Turrets, a moat, a wee bridge leading into the castle…perfection. It was built nearly 700 years ago, by a knight named John de la Mare. It is now a gloriously, mysterious ruin, which for me only adds a greater opportunity to imagine what once was. Who walked within, what it was like living there? What was it like with hanging tapestries on the wall, roaring fires and clanging pottery as grand meals were eaten at long elegant tables? Come to Nunney Castle to get lost in your own imaginings!

And just fun to know…according to Britain’s Magazine, Nunney Castle is known as Britain’s smallest castle. Who doesn’t want to visit a bite-sized castle? To find more information on spending an afternoon in yesteryear, check out down below!

The Practicals

Postcode for SATNAV: BA11 4LW

Entry is free.

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Parking is free; the carpark is in the village of Nunney and just few minutes walk away from the castle itself.

Dogs are permitted but please keep on lead.

If bringing small children, do be aware there is a water filled moat surrounding the castle.

I recommend sturdy shoes as the old stone floors are uneven in parts.

Anywhere to get a nibble? You betcha, down the road from the castle is a cafe aptly named the Moat and Turret, please check here for opening times and more information.

Please check English Heritage before visiting Nunney Castle.

Enjoy your time in yesteryear!